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Airport users unhappy at plans for premium lounge

Ports of Jersey Passengers sit in a premium lounge with stylish furniture and fittings. Some are eating and drinking champagne. Catering staff in smart dress can be see alongside passengers. Ports of Jersey
An artist's impression of how the new lounge at Jersey airport would look

Passengers have criticised plans to replace the free upstairs viewing deck at Jersey Airport with a paid-for "premium lounge".

Ports of Jersey said the new space, operated by No1 Lounges, will open next year providing guests with "panoramic sea views, exceptional hospitality and seasonal hot dishes".

Passengers have expressed disappointment at losing the existing viewing deck which is popular with families and questioned whether Jersey Airport needed a premium lounge.

Airport officials said there would also be an "alternative quiet space" for free use by passengers, as part of wider redevelopment plans at the airport.

A bearded man looking at the camera with an airport scene in the background
Sam Hirst described the change as an 'absolute shame'

Father of three Sam Hirst described the change as an "absolute shame".

He said the current lounge was "a great space" for families with young children and gave them space to run around, especially when flights were delayed.

Another parent, who did not want to be named, said she frequently used the current viewing area as a place for her baby to "play, feed and nap away from the hustle and bustle and judgement of others".

She described the area as a "safe haven when travelling alone" and branded the changes "unaffordable for normal people".

A child can be seen from behind watching planes from the observation deck above the runway at Jersey airport.
A child watches planes from the viewing deck in its current form

Passenger Colin Pallot said he had used private lounges at Gatwick but questioned the need for one in Jersey, based on the length of time people spent at the airport.

"I really don't think this concept would work at Jersey airport unless there are significant delays for a flight," he said.

He suggested that the space would be better used as a "family friendly space", such as a children's play area.

Matt Thomas in a suit with a blue shirt and blue tie looks at the camera, seated in an office.
Matt Thomas, Ports of Jersey Chief Executive says the new lounge will be a 'stylish sanctuary'

Ports of Jersey said passengers would be able to access the lounge using airline frequent flyer schemes, some credit card scheme, or by walking in on the day, with prices yet to be published.

Matt Thomas, Ports of Jersey chief executive, said he was delighted at the prospect of providing a "stylish sanctuary from the busy terminal".

He said the new lounge would provide "a memorable experience for every guest, and a relaxing environment to unwind before flying".

A spokesperson for Ports of Jersey said the needs of all passengers would be considered in development plans for the airport.

"As we redevelop the airport terminal in the coming years, we'll be opening more space for passengers to view the airfield," they said.

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